BOLTON BRANCH
SEPTEMBER 2024 SCHOOLS BULLETIN
SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF PAY
You will probably have seen that there’s been good news for teachers this summer, with the Government offering an above-average pay rise.
But school support staff deserve a pay rise too! That’s why UNISON is balloting members now and asking them to STAND UP FOR BETTER PAY!
School staff in Bolton who are covered by NJC pay should by now have received a ballot paper, asking if you’re prepared to take industrial action. We believe this is the necessary next step toward an improved offer from the employers.
Employers in councils and schools up and down the country were asked for a pay increase of £3,000 or 10%, whichever is greater Instead, you and your colleagues were offered a flat rate annual pay increase of £1,290: in other words, just over an additional £100 per month BEFORE tax and deductions
However that amount is based on working full-time hours - many school staff, who work part-time or term time only, will receive far less.
Look out for the purple envelope
We think this offer falls far short of what you need and deserve Pay in councils and schools has lost nearly a third of its value in real terms over the past fourteen years, so it’s time to stand together and send a clear message to the employers that you need a better pay rise.
Every single eligible member needs to vote in the ballot: you can vote to accept or reject, of course, that is your democratic right but we can only take lawful industrial action in an employer if at least 50% of members within that employer return their ballot papers to us, with the majority voting yes for industrial action.
The ballot opened 4th September and runs to 16th October
IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED OR HAVE LOST YOUR BALLOT ENVELOPE, PLEASE RING UNISON DIRECT ON 08000 857 857 TO REQUEST A REPLACEMENT.
A NEW DEAL FOR SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF
UNISON is at the forefront of work on exciting new legislation for school support staff in England The Labour government have committed to creating fair pay, terms and conditions and guaranteed access to training for school support staff, and this will be achieved through the formation of a new negotiating body, the SSSNB, which UNISON (alongside GMB and Unite) is working with the government to set up WE WANT YOUR INPUT!
This is a unique chance to be part of a deal that will get you the recognition you deserve, and we’ll be asking members what issues should be prioritised In the meantime, you can find out more by googling ‘unison sssnb’ or by contacting the Branch.
STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS 2024
FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER
CELEBRATE YOURSELVES!
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Stars in Our Schools, UNISON’s annual celebration of school support staff. Stars in Our Schools shines a light on the huge contribution support staff make to our schools, pupils and wider communities. Support staff are crucial in helping children progress, keeping them safe and healthy, and keeping schools running smoothly. But much of the work you do goes on behind the scenes.
That’s why since 2014 the Branch has delivered boxes of chocolates, and goodies to members at every school in Bolton to show support staff how much they are valued. We also write to every Head Teacher to encourage them, or allow members, to organise something in school - it could be a special assembly, breakfast, coffee morning, or other event. Some schools have invited local politicians to visit to help mark the day, while others have involved pupils with quizzes and dressing up days.
GET YOUR SCHOOL INVOLVED!
Although this year’s celebration will take place on Friday 29th November, you can celebrate anytime in November that suits you. There are plenty of ideas and free resources, on the Stars in Our Schools website (www.starsinourschools.uk) or you can contact the Branch to find out more.
To celebrate ten years of Stars, UNISON are offering even bigger prizes in the ‘Nominate a Star’ prize draw. Plus a special competition where you could win an overnight stay at UNISON’s Croyde Bay resort in North Devon. Check out the Stars website from mid-October to find out more.
UNISON Office Bolton CVS HUB, Bold Street, BL1 1LS
